Canada concerned over China water cannon assault vs. PH in SCS

The targeted BFAR vessels were on a routine mission to support traditional Filipino fishing communities operating in the area. (Pexels Photo)

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Canada has expressed concern over another unprovoked incident involving Chinese vessels firing water cannons against civilian boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the South China Sea.

“Coercion and intimidation have no place in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the issued statement of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines on Monday read.

The targeted BFAR vessels were on a routine mission to support traditional Filipino fishing communities operating in the area.

Earlier, the National Maritime Council reported that Chinese Coast Guard vessel 4203 hit the BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit (MMOV 3006) with a water cannon while delivering essential supplies to Filipino fisherfolk on June 20.

Canada supports the rights of coastal states under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It has called for respect of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.